Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Union Station getting to DC BY PLANE Three major airports handle more than 1,000 international and domestic departures daily: ▶ Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) , closest to DC, served by Metro. Extensive renovations will result in a 14-gate concourse by 2021 ▶ Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) , about 26 miles west of DC in Dulles, Virginia ▶ Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) , south of Baltimore, 30 miles from DC getting around DC BUSES The DC Circulator (dccirculator.com) connects many neighborhoods and attractions. It costs $1 for one regular fare and buses arrive every 10 minutes. SmarTrip cards offer discounted rates from transfers. For bus charters, see the Bus Charter Rental listings beginning on page 124. CARS Taxis in DC accept credit cards. Fares start at $3.50 and are metered. A 15-20% tip is customary. Uber and Lyft also provide service throughout the metro DC area, and include options ranging from ride-shares to luxury SUVs. BY TRAIN ON FOOT ON BIKE Union Station is the country’s second busiest Amtrak station. The station also services the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), which offers service between Northern Virginia and DC, and Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC), which provides commuter rail service for neighboring Maryland. DC has numerous public parks and walkable neighborhoods, making navigation on foot easy. Cruise around DC on a battery-powered scooter or one of the bike-sharing systems that serve the area, such as Capital Bikeshare . You can also rent wheels and a helmet from Bike and Roll DC . BY CAR The Capital Beltway (I-495) encircles the city, while I-66, I-395 and I-95 lead into DC. It is recommended to park at a hotel or public garage and then use public transportation or chartered transportation provided for groups. Renting a car is unnecessary unless you plan to leave the metro area. Metro BY BUS METRO Companies including Greyhound , Peter Pan , BoltBus , Megabus and BestBus all offer service from Union Station. Or, let Destination DC recommend a transportation company. Metro transit services make DC accessible and easy to navigate. The underground train and citywide bus system (Metrorail and Metrobus) serve the area. Most major hotels and attractions are near Metrorail stops. Tip: The new Silver Line is projected to connect to Dulles International Airport by 2020. | 9
Washington DC Event Planner Guide 2019 Event Planning Guide: Page 9
